kty! I cannot contain-ha! ha! ha! is certainly a remnant of European barity: the female Tartar, dressed in ep skins, is in far more convenient pery. Their own writers have someies inveighed against the absurdity of fashion; but perhaps it has never been icaled so well as upon the Italian atre, where Pasquariello being engaged trend on the Countess of Fernambroco, ving one of his hands employed in Tying her muff, and the other her dog, he bears her train majestically ng. by sticking it in the waistband of treeches.-Adieu.

LETTER LXXXII.

To the same.

PUTE has for some time divided the sophers of Europe: it is debated her arts and sciences are more serviceor prejudicial to mankind? They maintain the cause of literature en ar to prove their usefulness from the sibility of a large number of men ating in a small tract of country withem; from the pleasure which attends (quisition; and from the influence #nowledge in promoting practical ity.

ey who maintain the opposite opinion ay the happiness and innocence of e uncultivated nations who live withearning; urge the numerous vices are to be found only in polished y; enlarge upon the oppression, the , and the blood which must necesbe shed, in order to cement civil kety; and insist upon the happy equality nditions in a barbarous state, prede to the unnatural subordination of a refined constitution.

This dispute, which has already given ruch employment to speculative indoke, has been managed with much ardour, 4 (not to suppress our sentiments) with little sagacity. They who insist that .sciences are useful in refined society certainly right, and they who maintain t barbarous nations are more happy hout them are right also: but when side, for this reason, attempts to prove in as universally useful to the solitary

barbarian as to the native of a crowded commonwealth; or when the other endeavours to banish them as prejudicial to all society, even from populous states as well as from the inhabitants of the wilderness, they are both wrong; since that knowledge which makes the happiness of a refined European, would be a torment to the precarious tenant of an Asiatic wild.

Let me, to prove this, transport the imagination for a moment to the midst of a forest in Siberia. There we behold the inhabitant, poor indeed, but equally fond of happiness with the most refined philo. sopher of China. The earth lies uncultivated and uninhabited for miles around him his little family and he the sole and undisputed possessors. In such circumstances nature and reason will induce him to prefer a hunter's life to that of culti vating the earth. He will certainly adhere to that manner of living which is carried on at the smallest expense of labour, and that food which is most agreeable to the appetite; he will prefer indolent, though precarious, luxury to a laborious, though permanent, competence; and a knowledge of his own happiness will determine him to persevere in native barbarity.

In like manner, his happiness will incline him to bind himself by no law : laws are made in order to secure present property; but he is possessed of no property which he is afraid to lose, and desires no more than will be sufficient to sustain him; to enter into compacts with others, would be undergoing a voluntary obligation without the expectance of any reward. He and his countrymen are tenants, not rivals, in the same inexhaustible forest; the increased possessions of one by no means diminish the expectations arising from equal assiduity in another; there is no need of laws, therefore, to repress ambition, where there can be no mischief attending its most boundless gratification.

Our solitary Siberian will, in like manner, find the sciences not only entirely use. less in directing his practice, but disgusting even in speculation. In every contemplation our curiosity must be first excited by the appearances of things, before our reason undergoes the fatigue of investigating the causes. Some of those appear

rect the vices of the polite; but those vices are ever changing, and the antidote should be changed accordingly—should still be

new.

Instead, therefore, of thinking the number of new publications here too great, I could wish it still greater, as they are the most useful instruments of reformation. Every country must be instructed either by writers or preachers: but as the number of readers increases, the number of hearers is proportionally diminished; the writer becomes more useful, and the preaching bonze less necessary.

Instead, therefore, of complaining that writers are overpaid, when their works procure them a bare subsistence, I should imagine it the duty of a state, not only to encourage their numbers, but their industry. A bonze is rewarded with immense riches for instructing only a few, even of the most ignorant of the people; and sure the poor scholar should not beg his bread, who is capable of instructing a million.

Of all rewards, I grant, the most pleasing to a man of real merit is fame; but a polite age, of all times, is that in which scarcely any share of merit can acquire it. What numbers of fine writers in the latter empire of Rome, when refinement was carried to the highest pitch, have missed that fame and immortality which they had fondly arrogated to themselves! How many Greek authors, who wrote at that period when Constantinople was the refined mistress of the empire, now rest, either not printed or not read, in the libraries of Europe! Those who came first, while either state as yet was barbarous, carried all the reputation away. Authors, as the age refined, became more numerous, and their numbers destroyed their fame. It is but natural, therefore, for the writer, when conscious that his works will not procure him fame hereafter, to endeavour to make them turn out to his temporal interest here.

Whatever be the motives which induce men to write, whether avarice or fame, the country becomes most wise and happy in which they most serve for instructors. The countries where sacerdotal instruction alone is permitted remain in ignorance,

superstition, and hopeless slavery. England, where there are as many books published as in all the rest of E together, a spirit of freedom and 1 reigns among the people: they hav often known to act like fools; th generally found to think like men.

The only danger that attends a ¦ plicity of publications is, that so them may be calculated to injure. than benefit society. But where w are numerous, they also serve as a upon each other; and perhaps a li inquisition is the most terrible p ment that can be conceived to a l transgressor.

The dunce

But, to do the English justice, the but few offenders of this kind; thei lications, in general, aim either at me the heart, or improving the common The dullest writer talks of virtue, liberty, and benevolence, with est tells his true story, filled with good wholesome advice; warns against sla bribery, or the bite of a mad dog; dresses up his little useful magazin knowledge and entertainment at with a good intention. France, on the other hand, who have encouragement, are more vicious. der hearts, languishing eyes, Leonon love at thirteen, ecstatic transports, st blisses, are the frivolous subjects of t frivolous memoirs. In England, i bawdy blockhead thus breaks in the community, he sets his whole fra nity in a roar; nor can he escape, e though he should fly to nobility shelter.

Thus, even dunces, my friend, a make themselves useful. But there i others, whom nature has blessed w talents above the rest of mankind; m capable of thinking with precision, # impressing their thought with rapicit beings who diffuse those regards up mankind, which others contract and s upon themselves. These deserve evr honour from that community of w they are more peculiarly the child to such I would give my heart, siner them I am indebted for its humanityAdieu.

LETTER LXXVI. Hingpo to Lien Chi Altangi, by the way of Moscow.

LL remain at Terki, where I have ved that money which was remitted * in order to release me from captivity. hir companion still improves in my ; the more I know her mind, her ay becomes more poignant: she charming, even among the gers of Circassia.

fet, were I to examine her beauty with Bart of a statuary, I should find numhere that far surpass her; nature not granted her all the boasted asian regularity of feature, and yet greatly exceeds the fairest of the try in the art of seizing the affections. ence," have I often said to myself, resistless magic that attends even derate charms? Though I regard the s of the country with admiration, interview weakens the impression; be form of Zelis grows upon my ration-I never behold her without ncrease of tenderness and respect. esce this injustice of the mind, in erring imperfect beauty to that which are seems to have finished with care? Bace the infatuation that he whom #rnet could not amaze, should be rished at a meteor?" When reason thus fatigued to find an answer, my nation pursued the subject, and this the result.

fancied myself placed between two capes, this called the Region of ty, and that the Valley of the Graces: one adorned with all that luxuriant are could bestow; the fruits of various mates adorned the trees-the grove anded with music-the gale breathed me-every charm that could arise symmetry and exact distribution re here conspicuous,-the whole offera prospect of pleasure without end. e Valley of the Graces, on the other ad, seemed by no means so inviting; the ams and the groves appeared just as y usually do in frequented countries: magnificent parterres, no concert in e grove, the rivulet was edged with eds, and the rook joined its voice to

that of the nightingale. All was simplicity and nature.

The most striking objects ever first allure the traveller. I entered the Region of Beauty with increased curiosity, and promised myself endless satisfaction in being introduced to the presiding goddess. I perceived several strangers, who entered with the same design; and what surprised me not a little was, to see several others hastening to leave this abode of seeming felicity.

After some fatigue, I had at last the honour of being introduced to the goddess who represented Beauty in person. She was seated on a throne, at the foot of which stood several strangers, lately introduced like me, all regarding her form in ecstasy.

"Ah, what eyes! what lips! how clear her complexion! how perfect her shape!" At these exclamations Beauty, with downcast eyes, would endeavour to counterfeit modesty, but soon again looking round as if to confirm every spectator in his favourable sentiments: sometimes she would attempt to allure us by smiles; and at intervals would bridle back, in order to inspire us with respect as well as tenderness.

66

This ceremony lasted for some time, and had so much employed our eyes that we had forgot all this while that the goddess was silent. We soon, however, began to perceive the defect. What,' said we, among each other, are we to have nothing but languishing airs, soft looks, and inclinations of the head? Will the goddess only deign to satisfy our eyes? Upon this, one of the company stepped up to present her with some fruits he had gathered by the way. She received the present most sweetly smiling, and with one of the whitest hands in the world, but still not a word escaped her lips.

I now found that my companions grew weary of their homage; they went off one by one, and resolving not to be left behind, I offered to go in my turn, when, just at the door of the temple, I was called back by a female whose name was Pride, and who seemed displeased at the behaviour of the company. "Where are you hastening?" said she to me with an

angry air; "the goddess of Beauty is here." "I have been to visit her, madam," replied I, "and find her more beautiful even than report had made her." And why then will you leave her?" added the female.-"I have seen her long enough," returned I; "I have got all her features by heart. Her eyes are still the same. Her nose is a very fine one, but it is still just such a nose now as it was half an hour ago: could she throw a little more mind into her face, perhaps I should be for wishing to have more of her company. "What signifies," replied my female, "whether she has a mind or not? has she any occasion for a mind, so formed as she is by nature? If she had a common face, indeed, there might be some reason for thinking to improve it; but when features are already perfect, every alteration would but impair them. A fine face is already at the point of perfection, and a fine lady should endeavour to keep it so the impression it would receive from thought would but disturb its whole economy."

To this speech I gave no reply, but made the best of my way to the Valley of

the Graces. Here I found all those who before had been my companions in the Region of Beauty, now upon the same errand.

As we entered the valley, the prospect insensibly seemed to improve; we found everything so natural, so domestic, and pleasing, that our minds, which before were congealed in admiration, now relaxed into gaiety and good-humour. We had designed to pay our respects to the presiding goddess, but she was nowhere to be found. One of our companions asserted that her temple lay to the right, another to the left, a third insisted that it was straight before us, and a fourth, that we had left it behind. In short, we found everything familiar and charming, but could not determine where to seek for the Grace in person.

In this agreeable incertitude we passed several hours, and though very desirous of finding the goddess, by no means impatient of the delay. Every part of the valley presented some minute beauty, which, without offering itself, at once

stole upon the soul, and captivate with the charms of our retreat. however, we continued to search, might still have continued, had we been interrupted by a voice, w though we could not see from when came, addressed us in this manner :you would find the goddess of Grace, her not under one form, for she ass a thousand. Ever changing under eye of inspection, her variety, rather her figure, is pleasing. In contempl her beauty, the eye glides over perfection with giddy delight, and cap of fixing nowhere, is charmed with whole. She is now Contemplation solemn look, again Compassion humid eye; she now sparkles with soon every feature speaks distress; looks at times invite our approach others repress our presumption: the dess cannot be properly called beat under any one of these forms, but by bining them all she becomes irresis pleasing."—Adieu.

LETTER LXXVIL

From Lien Chi Altangi to Fum Hoam, A President of the Ceremonial Academ

Pekin in China.

THE shops of London are as well furnis as those of Pekin. Those of Lon have a picture hung at their door, infe ing the passengers what they have to: as those at Pekin have a board to as the buyer that they have no intent cheat him.

I was this morning to buy silk f nightcap. Immediately upon enter the mercer's shop, the master and two men, with wigs plastered with pow appeared to ask my commands. T were certainly the civillest people al if I but looked, they flew to the ja where I cast my eye; every motion mine sent them running round the b shop for my satisfaction. I inform them that I wanted what was good, a they showed me not less than forty pis and each was better than the former. prettiest pattern in nature, and the fi in the world for nightcaps. My c good friend," said I to the mercer, must not pretend to instruct me in

ci

ow these in particular to be no better your mere flimsy bungees.' "That be," cried the mercer, who, I afterfound, had never contradicted a in his life: "I cannot pretend to say they may; but I can assure you, my Trail has had a sack from this piece very morning."-" But, friend," said though my lady has chosen a sack it, I see no necessity that I should rit for a nightcap."-"That may be," ed he again; "yet what becomes ety lady, will at any time look well handsome gentleman." This short iment was thrown in so very seasonpon my ugly face, that even though ked the silk, I desired him to cut the pattern of a nightcap. eile this business was consigned to urneymen, the master himself took some pieces of silk still finer than I had yet seen, and spreading them "There," cries he, "there's ; my Lord Snakeskin has bespoke low to this for the birthnight this morning; it would look charmingly @raistcoats."-"But I don't want a oat," replied I. "Not want a coat!" returned the mercer: "then uld advise you to buy one; when tcoats are wanted, you may depend it they will come dear. Always before you want, and you are sure to tell used, as they say in Cheapside." re was so much justice in his advice, I could not refuse taking it; besides, lk, which was really a good one, ased the temptation; so I gave orders

Ex me,

that too.

As I was waiting to have my bargains sured and cut, which, I know not w, they executed but slowly, during the terval the mercer entertained me with modern manner of some of the noy receiving company in their morning BILS. Perhaps, sir," adds he, "you ave a mind to see what kind of silk is niversally worn." Without waiting for y reply, he spreads a piece before me, hich might be reckoned beautiful even China. "If the nobility," continues were to know I sold this to any ler a Right Honourable, I should cernly lose their custom; you see, my

lord, it is at once rich, tasty, and quite the thing.' "I am no lord," interrupted I.-" I beg pardon," cried he; "but be pleased to remember, when you intend buying a morning gown, that you had an offer from me of something worth money. Conscience, sir, conscience is my way of dealing; you may buy a morning gown now, or you may stay till they become dearer and less fashionable; but it is not my business to advise." In short, most reverend Fum, he persuaded me to buy a morning gown also, and would probably have persuaded me to have bought half the goods in his shop, if I had stayed long enough, or was furnished with sufficient money.

Upon returning home, I could not help reflecting, with some astonishment, how this very man, with such a confined education and capacity, was yet capable of turning me as he thought proper, and moulding me to his inclinations. I knew he was only answering his own purposes, even while he attempted to appear solicitous about mine: yet, by a voluntary infatuation, a sort of passion, compounded of vanity and good-nature, I walked into the snare with my eyes open, and put myself to future pain in order to give him immediate pleasure. The wisdom of the ignorant somewhat resembles the instinct of animals; it is diffused in but a very narrow sphere, but within that circle it acts with vigour, uniformity, and success. Adieu.

LETTER LXXVIII.

To the same.

FROM my former accounts you may be apt to fancy the English the most ridiculous people under the sun. They are indeed ridiculous; yet every other nation in Europe is equally so; each laughs at each, and the Asiatic at all.

I may upon another occasion point out what is most strikingly absurd in other countries; I shall at present confine myself only to France. The first national peculiarity a traveller meets upon entering that kingdom is an odd sort of staring vivacity in every eye, not excepting even the children; the people, it seems, have got it into their heads, that they have